S.O.A.P.

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Scripture- Judges 3:15a- But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help, the

Lord again raised up a rescuer to save them.

Observations- The pattern of disobedience, consequences, crying out for help, God sending a judge to rescue the people, and a period of extended peace kept being lived out time and time again in the life of the Israelites. The leaders God raised up were brutal and imperfect at best.

Application- The all too human rescuers we find in the Book of Judges imperfectly point to our need for a Perfect Rescuer. They are flawed characters that can only help so much.

Jesus Christ hears our cries and is the only One who can ultimately help with what we need the most- salvation here and now and at the end of time or the end of our time.

Prayer- Lord, thank You for rescuing me from my sin, selfishness, and my extensive imperfections. You are perfect, and I am not. I stand in need of what You offer in every moment of my life! Help me, Lord. Save me to the uttermost! I was saved in the past, I am saved today, and I will be completely saved in the future one day. Amen.

Scripture- Judges 2:10, 17b- After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things He had done for Israel. How quickly they turned away from the path of their ancestors, who had walked in obedience to the Lord’s commands.

Observations- In the Book of Judges we see an ongoing pattern: the people of Israel walked with God for a period of time, then chose to go their own way in sin, received consequences for their behavior, cried out for help, and then they experienced a time of peace. There was a primary breakdown, particularly in homes and families, in teaching the next generation to properly honor God. They didn’t intentionally abandon the traditions, values, and laws that honored the living God, but they did.

Application- The people of Israel had a hard time remembering they had a responsibility to raise the next generation well. While I have no children of my own, I share in the responsibility for what happens to the generations that come behind me, but the reality is the primary place where children can learn the great truths of God’s Word is in the home among family. We have phenomenal children and youth ministries (THANKS TO ALL OF OUR GREAT STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS!) who have the privilege of coming alongside families as they fulfill their commitment to faithfully transmit and teach faith in Jesus Christ. Younger people pay careful attention to what we really valued and honored. They are learning, even when we aren't intentionally teaching. How are you participating in communicating the Good News intentionally to the next generation?

Prayer- Dear God, I pray for our families to share the Good News in ways that help the next generation walk with You in love, hope, and holiness. My parents did their best to teach me to leave a place better than I found it. Let our goal to leave this world a better place as we love and serve You. Amen.

"God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure." (Ephesians 1:5),